Akia is a Business Manager & Human Resources Professional with 10+ years in recruiting, training, organizational development and public speaking. A dynamic leader, team player and motivator, bringing an innovative approach to human resources & management while creating a team-driven environment that fosters room for development and growth. Highly responsible, organized and self-motivated.
She is a seasoned management professional who excels in establishing excellent working relationships with customers, employees, vendors and contractors. Having worked in a multitude of fields, Finance, Entertainment, Religious Organizations, Pharmaceuticals, Theatre, and Small Individualy owned businesses, Akia knows how to move seemlessly through these environments knowing the tone, style and approach that each needs.
She is a seasoned management professional who excels in establishing excellent working relationships with customers, employees, vendors and contractors. Having worked in a multitude of fields, Finance, Entertainment, Religious Organizations, Pharmaceuticals, Theatre, and Small Individualy owned businesses, Akia knows how to move seemlessly through these environments knowing the tone, style and approach that each needs.
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Traditional Business Experience
October 2007-January 2018 Blue Man Group - Astor Place Theatre
Company Manager
Reports directly to Resident General Manager with focus on the day to day operations of the theatre & business functions including human resources, finance and box office sales. Manage employee relations issues, coordinate company wellness initiatives; maintain all benefits & pension programs, employee records; co-manage accounting and business practices as well as financial and sales goals; prepare financial statements and reports; ensure the accurate execution of payroll processing and staff development. Manage Full company meetings, implementation of new policies; create training & wellness programs, support special appearances & gigs, assist with cross production payroll training, implemented customer service department, handle audience complaints & issues, handle workers compensation & accident reporting. Lead all safety initiatives, on-boarding, acculturation, housing & travel. Supervised multiple departments including Company Management Team, Sales & Marketing Team & Box Office Treasurer, Custodial & Theatre operations.
2000- 2007 Atrium Staffing NYC, NY
Temporary/Freelance Consultant
Worked on various short & long term assignments, Administrative, Clerical, Human Resources and Financial.
Temporary Assignments:
October 2003- September 2006 Pfizer Animal Health New York, NY
Human Resources Coordinator, Organization Effectiveness Department, Supervisor Gary Steele
Worked on all aspects of Annual Global Leadership Forum, a 180 member forum of international leaders within the organization; Including logistics and coordination (seating plans, activities, presentations, etc), Gathered Talent Profiles, monitored, updated, and entered data in peoplesoft system, Coordinated Informational Book printing, updates and distribution, Assisted with ongoing E-Learning and GLF Teleconferences, logistics and coordination. Supported, Help Led and Coordinated Myers Briggs Training Sessions, Online Surveys and Follow up communications, M-Show Set (International Multi-Media Conferencing) up with the assistance of Business Technology Director, Room Coordination & Food Ordering for Meetings. Provided the Post-Session Survey Links, Created & Maintained listings in Outlook and Excel formats, Entry of Confidential Data into Peoplesoft system, Ran Colleague & Organizational reports within the GTMS system, Researched, Updated & Maintained various resource, personnel, and project Listings in excel format, Familiarity with the Terminology, Processes, and System of Talent Planning & Development in conjunction with the GPM & GTMS systems, Attended Global Performance Management Team Meetings, recording information and provided Meeting Minutes, Assisted HR Directors with talent planning process and Peoplesoft system and Preparations for year end talent reviews with Pfizer Animal Health president, Compiled the Data books for these meetings, Familiar with the general organizational structure of Pfizer and its divisions, Assisted with the Transitional colleague e-communications & Surveys. Calendar management, Travel Arrangements. Created, Composed, Updated Documents- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Invitation & Email Communications, (Drafting/Compiling), Handle Confidential Data in an efficient and discreet manner , Data Research (Empl Ids, Position #’s, Direct Reports, etc) in Peoplesoft System, Mailing of Packages and Information, Communication Emails and Phone Calls on Behalf of Human Resources Directors, Photocopies, Collation, Scanning, Etc, Assist Colleagues in Gathering data or answering questions, Coordination of several large document orders and projects for meetings (GLF, Firo-B, etc), Assisted other HR Coordinators as requested. Worked on numerous specialty projects as needed.
March 2003- October 2003 Barnes & Noble College Bookstores New York, NY
Vendor Relations Representative, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations Dept.
Assisted with logistics of Office move, Led Audit Team in End of Year Reconciliation and fiscal close, reconciled and settled all outstanding claims for assigned vendors. Assisted Barnes & Nobles Store personnel with various inquiries and account issues, acting as their liaison with the vendors. Performed other tasks as well.
August 2002- February 2003 Conde Nast Publications New York, NY
Payroll Department, Reporting to Richard Guarino
Assisted with all aspects of the Payroll function; data entry, approval/review of timesheets, distribution of paychecks, customer service, record keeping, filing, phone calls. Worked with TRS & Peoplesoft Systems.
May 2001- July 2002 Security Industry Automation Corporation Brooklyn, NY
Business Planning Department Reporting To Delphine Nagarajan
Responsible for researching, approving, and processing invoices for consulting services & Independent Contracting staff for over 20 departments. Included verifying time & billing accuracy, obtaining credits for overpayments, entering records into Access Database, Working in conjunction with accounts payable department, Corresponding with vendors via phone, fax, email and writing, Maintaining records of all approvals, Frequent contact & account status reporting with Departmental Managers, Assisted with re-organization of shared office & Cubicle spaces, storage and record keeping, Assisted with the creation and implementation of a procedure manual. Attended meetings as needed. Assisted in the ease of transition to new “prompt payment” procedures. Filing, Copying, mailings, and other administrative duties as needed.
April 2001 Israel Bonds NYC, NY
Special Events/Customer Relations
Worked on promotion of a Special Event for Israel’s Prime Minister Arial Sharon. Responsible for address verification, information dispersement, and phone calls to VIP Clients and guests. Maintenance of invitations and RSVPS.
March 2001 Hebrew Union College NYC, NY
Assisted with the promotion and mailing to over 500 synagogues, Rabbis & VIP Alumni for fund-raising & Special Events. Also Performed standard Administrative Duties – Answered phone calls, fielded questions about the events, and handled correspondence.
October 2000- March 2001 EMI Record Company NYC, NY
Royalties & Accounting Reported to Anne Quilter & Enrico Pattucci
Statement Reconciliation for various recording artists & Internal Accounts for all sub-level accounts, record keeping, payment dispersement to recording artists for six different record labels under EMI, Status reports to Managers on a weekly basis, Responsible for entire record keeping re-organization- Supervising two temporary assistants on project, research tracking of back accounts for reconciliation and internal audit, other administrational duties as needed.
May – September 2000 EFT Group NYC, NY
Office Management Reported to Maria Jamoulis
Assisted in Planning, Organization and execution of entire office move and transition from Temporary location to 5 Office Suite, dealt with all architects, Designers and Interior Decorators, Supply Ordering, phone & computer set-ups, technicians, etc. All office administrative duties for the President, Vice-President, Office Manager, & Account Executive; Including all incoming phone calls, email, fax, and mail correspondence, filing, office organization, promotional mailings and management/development of mailing list, international travel arrangements, and all other various needs of my supervisors.
2000-2002 Quantum Staffing NYC, NY
Temporary/Freelance Consultant
Worked on various short & long term assignments, Administrative, Clerical, and Financial. A List of Temporary assignments is available upon request.
Permanent Positions:
1998-2000 Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Corporate Office NYC, NY
Team Leader, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations
Maintained 50 of the top 300 vendor accounts, provide cash flow reports and determined payment schedules for my assigned vendors, recorded and responded to daily incoming correspondence (Phone, Email, Mail, & Faxes), oversaw all vendors on credit hold, assisted in maintaining departmental statistics and procedures. Responsible for approving payment adjustments made by staff, prepared for and attended vendor meetings, maintained contact and provided support for vendors and all 350 + College Bookstores. Trained new employees, conducted staff meetings as needed. Designed & Implemented new procedures and standardized form usage into department. Assisted with training maintenance of staff, supervision of departmental staff of 18, & the yearly employee review process. Responsible for payroll distribution, and approval of timesheets on a bi-weekly basis. Performed other duties as needed.
1997-1998 Vendor Relations Representative, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations Dept.
Handled all Barnes & Noble College Bookstores Vendors Letters S-Z, receiving an average of 50 phone calls per day. Prepared for and attended vendor meetings, reconciled and settled all outstanding claims for assigned vendors. Assisted Barnes & Nobles Store personnel with various inquiries and account issues, acting as their liaison with the vendors. Performed other tasks as well.
1996-1997 Lana Cookson Designs Woodstock, NY
Personal Assistant & Sales Representative
Involved in all aspect of small Fine Jewelry business. Maintained all office matters- Filing, Typing, Show Marketing and Mailing Design, Organization and Re-design of Office Space, Calendar Management, Customer orders, Credit Card merchant and Personal Accounts, Private, Retail and Wholesale sales, Wholesale account prep, travel arrangements. Traveled to various national art shows for sales of fine gold and precious stone jewelry.
1992-1994 Oasis Promotions Woodstock, NY
(Part Time) Assistant Representative
Assisted with the handling of independent local Musical Talent, bookings and Promotions, layout & design of advertising, distribution of promotional materials, flyers, etc, writing of press releases, dealt with various local & radio personalities, scheduled interviews, “Worked the Door” at clubs & Concerts, kept head count at all performances, responsible for collecting payment of performance fees. Other tasks as needed.
Company Manager
Reports directly to Resident General Manager with focus on the day to day operations of the theatre & business functions including human resources, finance and box office sales. Manage employee relations issues, coordinate company wellness initiatives; maintain all benefits & pension programs, employee records; co-manage accounting and business practices as well as financial and sales goals; prepare financial statements and reports; ensure the accurate execution of payroll processing and staff development. Manage Full company meetings, implementation of new policies; create training & wellness programs, support special appearances & gigs, assist with cross production payroll training, implemented customer service department, handle audience complaints & issues, handle workers compensation & accident reporting. Lead all safety initiatives, on-boarding, acculturation, housing & travel. Supervised multiple departments including Company Management Team, Sales & Marketing Team & Box Office Treasurer, Custodial & Theatre operations.
- Coordinated with the talent relations department to facilitate execution and payment of talent contracts.
- Performed complex general accounting functions, including preparation of journal entries, account analysis and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Assisted management with the finalization of the annual expense plans.
- Ensured superior customer experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy and resolving problems on the spot.
- Developed company personnel policies, standard operating procedures and employee handbooks.
- Developed and facilitated all new-hire orientations.
- Educated and advised employees on group health plans, voluntary benefits and 401(k) retirement plans.
- Conducted employment verifications and investigations.
- Managed the employee rewards programs.
- Developed innovative new-employee orientation programs, including safety training.
- Shadowed employees to determine an accurate description of the duties and skills required for each position.
- Developed and enforced company policy and procedures relating to all phases of human resources activity.
- Managed all aspects of leave administration, including employee notifications and vendor management, disability programs and health benefits.
- Acted as liaison between employees and insurance carriers to resolve problems and clarify benefits.
- Edited job position announcements before authorizing a post.
- Captured key feedback from employees during exit interviews.
- Implemented a tracking database for employee professional development and licensure renewal credits.
- Gathered personnel records from all employees from each department.
- Identified development opportunities and succession gaps.
- Reviewed and confirmed that all final paid hours corresponded with timesheets and state laws.
- Accurately prepared government compliance reports and proposal requests for employee data.
- Addressed and resolved general payroll-related inquires.
- Researched & Administered all payroll, COBRA, disability and FMLA issues.
- Reviewed human resource paperwork for accuracy and completeness by verifying, collecting and correcting additional data.
- Completed employee employment verifications and unemployment paperwork in a timely manner.
- Reviewed and corrected job offer letters for completeness and accuracy before approving their delivery.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences and workshops.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
2000- 2007 Atrium Staffing NYC, NY
Temporary/Freelance Consultant
Worked on various short & long term assignments, Administrative, Clerical, Human Resources and Financial.
Temporary Assignments:
October 2003- September 2006 Pfizer Animal Health New York, NY
Human Resources Coordinator, Organization Effectiveness Department, Supervisor Gary Steele
Worked on all aspects of Annual Global Leadership Forum, a 180 member forum of international leaders within the organization; Including logistics and coordination (seating plans, activities, presentations, etc), Gathered Talent Profiles, monitored, updated, and entered data in peoplesoft system, Coordinated Informational Book printing, updates and distribution, Assisted with ongoing E-Learning and GLF Teleconferences, logistics and coordination. Supported, Help Led and Coordinated Myers Briggs Training Sessions, Online Surveys and Follow up communications, M-Show Set (International Multi-Media Conferencing) up with the assistance of Business Technology Director, Room Coordination & Food Ordering for Meetings. Provided the Post-Session Survey Links, Created & Maintained listings in Outlook and Excel formats, Entry of Confidential Data into Peoplesoft system, Ran Colleague & Organizational reports within the GTMS system, Researched, Updated & Maintained various resource, personnel, and project Listings in excel format, Familiarity with the Terminology, Processes, and System of Talent Planning & Development in conjunction with the GPM & GTMS systems, Attended Global Performance Management Team Meetings, recording information and provided Meeting Minutes, Assisted HR Directors with talent planning process and Peoplesoft system and Preparations for year end talent reviews with Pfizer Animal Health president, Compiled the Data books for these meetings, Familiar with the general organizational structure of Pfizer and its divisions, Assisted with the Transitional colleague e-communications & Surveys. Calendar management, Travel Arrangements. Created, Composed, Updated Documents- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Invitation & Email Communications, (Drafting/Compiling), Handle Confidential Data in an efficient and discreet manner , Data Research (Empl Ids, Position #’s, Direct Reports, etc) in Peoplesoft System, Mailing of Packages and Information, Communication Emails and Phone Calls on Behalf of Human Resources Directors, Photocopies, Collation, Scanning, Etc, Assist Colleagues in Gathering data or answering questions, Coordination of several large document orders and projects for meetings (GLF, Firo-B, etc), Assisted other HR Coordinators as requested. Worked on numerous specialty projects as needed.
March 2003- October 2003 Barnes & Noble College Bookstores New York, NY
Vendor Relations Representative, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations Dept.
Assisted with logistics of Office move, Led Audit Team in End of Year Reconciliation and fiscal close, reconciled and settled all outstanding claims for assigned vendors. Assisted Barnes & Nobles Store personnel with various inquiries and account issues, acting as their liaison with the vendors. Performed other tasks as well.
August 2002- February 2003 Conde Nast Publications New York, NY
Payroll Department, Reporting to Richard Guarino
Assisted with all aspects of the Payroll function; data entry, approval/review of timesheets, distribution of paychecks, customer service, record keeping, filing, phone calls. Worked with TRS & Peoplesoft Systems.
May 2001- July 2002 Security Industry Automation Corporation Brooklyn, NY
Business Planning Department Reporting To Delphine Nagarajan
Responsible for researching, approving, and processing invoices for consulting services & Independent Contracting staff for over 20 departments. Included verifying time & billing accuracy, obtaining credits for overpayments, entering records into Access Database, Working in conjunction with accounts payable department, Corresponding with vendors via phone, fax, email and writing, Maintaining records of all approvals, Frequent contact & account status reporting with Departmental Managers, Assisted with re-organization of shared office & Cubicle spaces, storage and record keeping, Assisted with the creation and implementation of a procedure manual. Attended meetings as needed. Assisted in the ease of transition to new “prompt payment” procedures. Filing, Copying, mailings, and other administrative duties as needed.
April 2001 Israel Bonds NYC, NY
Special Events/Customer Relations
Worked on promotion of a Special Event for Israel’s Prime Minister Arial Sharon. Responsible for address verification, information dispersement, and phone calls to VIP Clients and guests. Maintenance of invitations and RSVPS.
March 2001 Hebrew Union College NYC, NY
Assisted with the promotion and mailing to over 500 synagogues, Rabbis & VIP Alumni for fund-raising & Special Events. Also Performed standard Administrative Duties – Answered phone calls, fielded questions about the events, and handled correspondence.
October 2000- March 2001 EMI Record Company NYC, NY
Royalties & Accounting Reported to Anne Quilter & Enrico Pattucci
Statement Reconciliation for various recording artists & Internal Accounts for all sub-level accounts, record keeping, payment dispersement to recording artists for six different record labels under EMI, Status reports to Managers on a weekly basis, Responsible for entire record keeping re-organization- Supervising two temporary assistants on project, research tracking of back accounts for reconciliation and internal audit, other administrational duties as needed.
May – September 2000 EFT Group NYC, NY
Office Management Reported to Maria Jamoulis
Assisted in Planning, Organization and execution of entire office move and transition from Temporary location to 5 Office Suite, dealt with all architects, Designers and Interior Decorators, Supply Ordering, phone & computer set-ups, technicians, etc. All office administrative duties for the President, Vice-President, Office Manager, & Account Executive; Including all incoming phone calls, email, fax, and mail correspondence, filing, office organization, promotional mailings and management/development of mailing list, international travel arrangements, and all other various needs of my supervisors.
2000-2002 Quantum Staffing NYC, NY
Temporary/Freelance Consultant
Worked on various short & long term assignments, Administrative, Clerical, and Financial. A List of Temporary assignments is available upon request.
Permanent Positions:
1998-2000 Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Corporate Office NYC, NY
Team Leader, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations
Maintained 50 of the top 300 vendor accounts, provide cash flow reports and determined payment schedules for my assigned vendors, recorded and responded to daily incoming correspondence (Phone, Email, Mail, & Faxes), oversaw all vendors on credit hold, assisted in maintaining departmental statistics and procedures. Responsible for approving payment adjustments made by staff, prepared for and attended vendor meetings, maintained contact and provided support for vendors and all 350 + College Bookstores. Trained new employees, conducted staff meetings as needed. Designed & Implemented new procedures and standardized form usage into department. Assisted with training maintenance of staff, supervision of departmental staff of 18, & the yearly employee review process. Responsible for payroll distribution, and approval of timesheets on a bi-weekly basis. Performed other duties as needed.
1997-1998 Vendor Relations Representative, Accounts Payable Vendor Relations Dept.
Handled all Barnes & Noble College Bookstores Vendors Letters S-Z, receiving an average of 50 phone calls per day. Prepared for and attended vendor meetings, reconciled and settled all outstanding claims for assigned vendors. Assisted Barnes & Nobles Store personnel with various inquiries and account issues, acting as their liaison with the vendors. Performed other tasks as well.
1996-1997 Lana Cookson Designs Woodstock, NY
Personal Assistant & Sales Representative
Involved in all aspect of small Fine Jewelry business. Maintained all office matters- Filing, Typing, Show Marketing and Mailing Design, Organization and Re-design of Office Space, Calendar Management, Customer orders, Credit Card merchant and Personal Accounts, Private, Retail and Wholesale sales, Wholesale account prep, travel arrangements. Traveled to various national art shows for sales of fine gold and precious stone jewelry.
1992-1994 Oasis Promotions Woodstock, NY
(Part Time) Assistant Representative
Assisted with the handling of independent local Musical Talent, bookings and Promotions, layout & design of advertising, distribution of promotional materials, flyers, etc, writing of press releases, dealt with various local & radio personalities, scheduled interviews, “Worked the Door” at clubs & Concerts, kept head count at all performances, responsible for collecting payment of performance fees. Other tasks as needed.
Related Special Skills:
Computer Skills: Proficient PC User, MS Office Suite, Google Application Platform and Programs
Ticketing Systems: Eventbrite, Smarttix, Ovation, Artfuly, Brown Paper Tickets, Vendini, Ticketmaster Host, One Access, & Report Pro
Third Party Ticketing Platform Management & Systems:
Goldstar, TDF, Fever, Y-Plan, Groupon & Living Social merchant systems
Social Media Platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Blogger
Crowd-sourcing Platforms: Indie Go Go
Financial Systems: MS Great Plains 8.0 & 10, & MS Dynamics, AS400, Intrepid, Evolution & Lawson
Other Systems: Ceridian Payroll Systems: HPW & Dayforce, Perfect Payroll, Text-Aid, UPS Tracking, PeopleSoft Financial, TRS, Pfizer Survey Administrator 1.0 & 1.5, Global Talent Management, Global Performance Management, Survey Monkey, Intranet Management & Maintenance , Weebly & Wix Website builder
Administrative Skills: Exceptional Organizational, Research, Communication and Writing Skills. Type Aprox 80 WPM
Computer Skills: Proficient PC User, MS Office Suite, Google Application Platform and Programs
Ticketing Systems: Eventbrite, Smarttix, Ovation, Artfuly, Brown Paper Tickets, Vendini, Ticketmaster Host, One Access, & Report Pro
Third Party Ticketing Platform Management & Systems:
Goldstar, TDF, Fever, Y-Plan, Groupon & Living Social merchant systems
Social Media Platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Blogger
Crowd-sourcing Platforms: Indie Go Go
Financial Systems: MS Great Plains 8.0 & 10, & MS Dynamics, AS400, Intrepid, Evolution & Lawson
Other Systems: Ceridian Payroll Systems: HPW & Dayforce, Perfect Payroll, Text-Aid, UPS Tracking, PeopleSoft Financial, TRS, Pfizer Survey Administrator 1.0 & 1.5, Global Talent Management, Global Performance Management, Survey Monkey, Intranet Management & Maintenance , Weebly & Wix Website builder
Administrative Skills: Exceptional Organizational, Research, Communication and Writing Skills. Type Aprox 80 WPM